In its 5th year, and 6th edition, the Kilifi Wellness Festival is now a firm fixture on the Kenya wellness calendar. Opening with a blissful sound bath beneath the trees and culminating with a dreamy cacao ceremony at sunset, the festival is dedicated to holistic practices and personal growth. Set amidst the stunning backdrops of Bofa Beach and Kilifi Creek, this four-day festival, staged from 6 – 9 February 2025, offers an array of activities designed to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit.
The idea for the festival began in 2020, during COVID, when people everywhere were sick and struggling. Founders Tamara Britten, Sandra Leichum, Nyamwathi and Andrea Hartley wanted to bring back the joy, happiness and beauty of life for people. As individuals committed to the practices of yoga and healing, they were inspired to create this festival centred around movement, self-expression and, above all, fun.
The festival strives to embody the principles: Playfulness, Curiosity, Connection, Service.
The founders wanted the setting to be all encompassing and inspiring, aiding in the healing of the trauma of COVID that the world suffered through together. The Kenyan coast of the Indian ocean, with its enchanting turquoise waters and the soothing sound of waves, was deemed the perfect place. Hosted at the iconic Salty’s Kitesuf Village on the stunning frontage of Bofa Beach, the chilled surf vibe totally fits the festival.
Kilifi Wellness Festival offers a wide variety of classes which are “perfectly curated to stimulate your creative juices”. Folks new to the wellness world can easily dip their toes into a variety of practices. Even experienced practitioners are likely to encounter a movement or healing practice that they aren’t familiar with. At this festival, everyone is able to layer onto their own practice and experiences, whatever the scale.
Most sessions throughout the festival are drop-in and can accommodate as many people as show up because they’re held outdoors in the beautiful grounds. A few, like SUP (stand up paddle board) yoga, need to be booked in advance.
The spirit of the festival is fun and playful. It’s a place for exploration. The safe atmosphere of like-minded humans facilitates an opening up and immersion into physical and mental experimentation. It allows for diving deep while exploring your inner self connection. At the same time, classes like SUP Yoga, Aerial Silks and Laughter sessionsl provide fun (and sometimes funny) heart-lightening sessions.
Join in any sessions that speak to you: expect movement practices like Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Aerial Silks, Circus Arts, SUP Yoga, Yin Yoga, Breathwork, Qi Gong and Dance led by a range of wonderful teachers. Art sessions, Laughter, Spoken Word, Meditation and Tarot & Oracle Readings are also among the practices offered.
Engage in thought-provoking discussions and hands-on activities covering topics like stress resilience, injury prevention, art therapy, sacred sexuality, and sustainable living.
Throughout the festival there will be holistic therapists on hand and available for privately booked sessions. These include sound healing, Chinese medicine, massage, bodywork, reiki, physiotherapy, acupuncture, iridology and energy healing.
The Festival Market is filled with inventive coastal creations, jewellery, crystals, fashion, and health care products.
Saturday is Family Day, and there’s a line-up of kids’ activities, like hula hooping, aerial, acrobatics and painting. Parents can either join the festival with a One-Day Pass, or relax at Salty’s Bar & Restaurant.
Further highlights of the festival include Open Mic night, dance performance, the spectacular moonrise dhow cruise, and an amazing dj-led ecstatic dance session. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from Ali Skanda. Skanda is the incredible Dhow Maker who designed and built the FlipFlopi Dhow – made completely from recycled plastic collected from Kenya’s seas and beaches. He will be sailing from Lamu to Zanzibar in early Feb, and will stop at Kilifi to speak at the festival.
Really, four days is hardly enough to take advantage of all that is available, especially since you’ll want to get out on the beach too. Bofa Beach is an idyllic spot for morning walks, runs or sunrise meditations, and of course for playing in the surf between wellness practices.
The Kilifi Wellness Festival is an opportunity to reset, relax, and reconnect with yourself, and with others, in a beautiful coastal setting. Feel the ease, balance and alignment as you shift into your ultimate flow. Whether you’re seeking physical rejuvenation, mental clarity, or spiritual growth, don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative experience on Kenya’s stunning coastline.
Please visit kilifiwellness.com for more details and tickets.
For people travelling to Kilifi, the festival offer tickets in various packages, all of which can be designed specifically to the needs of each participant, and include: festival entry, chosen accommodation in Kilifi, return flights between Nairobi and Malindi, and return road transfers between Malindi and Kilifi.